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Where To Go Glamping In South Africa

Camping is not for all of us. Some of us love the luxury of having hot-water showers ready and waiting at the turn of a tap and sleeping in spacious and oh-so comfy beds. On the other hand, we’d really love to get away from the hustle of the city and just reconnect with nature. Cue glamping! You don’t need to give up the simple luxuries to enjoy a “camping” weekend – just check out these glamping spots across SA for Women’s Month!

Jackalberry Ridge – Marloth Park, Mpumalanga

Situated on the southern border of the Kruger National Park, Jackalberry Ridge is just the place if you’re looking for the ultimate glamping experience without skimping on luxury. Take your pick from 20 tented camps, all complete with wooden floors, fully equipped kitchens, bathrooms, viewing decks and spacious king-sized beds in the main bedrooms. Talk about camping bliss! You can either stay in a one bedroom (four sleeper) or a two bedroom (six or eight sleeper) depending on how big your clan is. And as for the entertainment side of your trip, head to the Kambaku Golf Course, enjoy a pamper session at the Slide Spa or be daring and experience a few eco adventures.

Homtini Guest Farm – Garden Route, Knysna

How about escaping to the forest? Or better yet, how about escaping AND glamping it in the forest? Homtini Guest Farm offers a few luxury tented lodges perfect for a family adventure or even a romantic rendezvous for two. The family tents sleep four, have a campfire, a shared kitchen and a shower that boasts the best views around. And at dinner time, you have your own private braai area to cook up some vleis and roast some marshmallows. The couple’s tented lodges include beautiful views with en-suite bathrooms and a veranda for some late-night stargazing.

Ngama Tented Safari Lodge – Hoedspruit, Limpopo

One of the best things about living in South Africa is that we have the bushveld ready and waiting not too far from home. So, whenever we need a quick getaway to relax, rejuvenate and reconnect with nature, the bush is just there. So, if you’re up for a glamping weekend, why not book a stay at the Ngama Tented Safari Lodge? Just imagine settling into a spacious tented chalet in a natural setting, feeling the light breeze on your skin and hearing the sounds of wildlife right on your doorstep. Sounds lovely, doesn’t it? Also, each tented chalet has its own bathroom en suite, separate shower, an outside shower for more of an authentic camping bushveld feel and private deck.

Glen Eden Ranch – Montagu, Western Cape

You could easily book you and your loved ones into a comfy cottage at Glen Eden Ranch in Montagu for a quick (self-catering) getaway, but where is the adventure in that? Not only do they have a selection of cottages and a House On The Hill, they also have a glamping experience like no other. Book a Protea pod (sleeps four people), a hand-made gypsy wagon complete with a small seating area, a tepee tent (with two single beds) and a private pod containing a bathroom with a shower, a small kitchen and a stoop with dining furniture. And to reconnect you with Mother Nature, outside there’s a braai and fire pit with tree stump seating, perfect for those late nights around the fire.

Kwafubesi Tented Safari Camp – Waterberg, Limpopo

You haven’t experienced truly luxurious glamping until you’ve been to Kwafubesi Tented Safari Camp. Their stunning tents, all named after each of the Big Five, make for the ultimate bushveld getaway without having to rough it. Each tent has comfortable furnishings, African décor, a full bathroom that includes a shower and large stone bath, and, of course, the pièce de résistance – stunning views from your own private deck, making it the ideal spot to enjoy an intimate dinner for two or to gaze into the bright, starry Limpopo sky. And on top of this amazing glamping escape, there’s plenty of on-site activities to keep you busy, from horseback and quad bike safaris to guided stargazing and bush walks.

Ndaka Safari Lodge – Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal

No safari getaway is complete without game viewing and safaris, the soothing sounds of the wildlife and a luxurious tent with all the bells and whistles. Ndaka Safari Lodge offers guests an authentic African experience with their luxury safari tents that overlook the beautiful plains and a small waterhole. The tented camp is within walking distance of the main lodge – the closest being only 40m from the reception area, dining room, swimming pool and bar. And to make your stay extra comfortable, the area is malaria free, there’s a backup generator in case the power goes out, and there’s free uncapped wi-fi so you can keep in contact with loved ones and post your glamping adventure pictures all over Facebook and Instagram. Roughing it has never been easier.

Marataba Safari Lodge – Thabazimbi, Limpopo

At Marataba Safari Lodge, glamping has just got better! Other than the magnificent views and the stunning, natural setting that surrounds you, their exquisite tents are simply breathtaking. Each of their 15 canvas-and-stone tented suites are tastefully furnished and decorated with a contemporary twist. The attention to detail is impeccable, but you have to visit to experience it for yourself. And there are children’s activities and baby-sitting services available, free wi-fi in guest areas and full-range catering.

HillsNek Safari Camp – Amakhala Game Reserve, Eastern Cape

Looking to treat the love of your life to a unique and romantic escape? HillsNek Safari Camp in the Eastern Cape is just the place if you’re looking for a bushveld haven for just the two of you. Just imagine relaxing in a luxurious tent surrounded by the beauty and wonder of the bushveld – how much more romantic could it get? Their four extravagant tents are all linked to the main lodge by raised wooden walkways and each boast an en-suite bathroom and an intimate outside shower. With all the canvas windows rolled up, appreciate the beauty of nature from the comfort of your comfy bed or while soaking in a bubble bath. And if you’re up for being adventurous, there are plenty for activities to enjoy, including a game drive in an open game-viewing vehicle, stargazing, river cruising, guided bush walks and birding.